A MAN who threw himself from a bridge over the M5 during rush hour was pulled to safety by police officers.

The man, believed to be in his 30s, had already jumped from the Illey Lane bridge, near Frankley Services and was hanging by his neck over the M5, when police officers arrived.

Officers from West Midlands Police, assisted by firearms officers from West Mercia Police managed to support his weight before pulling him back up.

The man was treated by officers and paramedics before being taken to hospital.

Chief Inspector Jack Hadley from West Midlands Police tweeted: "Today @BSresponse were called by members of the public to a man in crisis who tied a ligature around his neck & jumped off a motorway bridge at rush hour.

"Putting their own lives in danger they managed to pull him back, saving his life. Brilliant job! #Proudchiefinspector!"

He later added: “The officers arrived within minutes of the call and without a thought for their own lives they managed to pull him back, saving his life.

"The man is thankfully recovering well & getting the support he needs."

In another tweet, he said: "We would like to thank the members of the public who dialled 999 – their swift actions enabled us to identify the location and quickly get officers to the scene."

In a tweet to OPU Worcestershire, he said: "Who could forget about you!?!? You did a brilliant job, my officers have said how happy he was to feel you grab is belt!

"The way you worked together to pull this chap to safety was really impressive.....commendation requests already submitted!"

The motorway was closed for a short time while officers and paramedics attended to the man.

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